Eric Rochon, president of Producteurs de pommes du Québec (Apple Growers of Québec) is cautiously optimistic for the 2024 crop. In an October 4 newsletter, he says that estimates are up to 6.2 million bushels – a number that would be 17 per cent higher than the five-year average and 12 per higher than the 15-year average.

“We won’t know the real number until it’s all harvested and accounted for,” says Jérôme-Antoine Brunelle, general manager.  “It will be a good crop, but this poses certain challenges in terms of availability of bins and storage space. Many more apples are available for processing, but processing capacity is finite and at some point maxed out.” 

At the same time, apple farmers are asking the provincial government for $30 million over six years to adapt to climate change. More irrigation equipment would help fend off frosts, for example.  Consumer tastes are also shifting towards crunchier, sweeter, more aromatic apples – varieties such as Ambrosia, Honeycrisp and Gala that aren’t traditionally grown in Québec. Replanting these new varieties can cost between $40,000 and $50,000 per acre including the trellis systems. 

The time from replanting to picking a productive crop is about five years. 

Source:  Québec Apple Growers October 4, 2024 newsletter